Authorized on August 10, 1956 and instituted on July 6, 1960, the authorizing directive was an amendment to the same order which created the Soldier’s Medal (prior to that time, USAF personnel qualifying for such an award were awarded the Soldier’s Medal).

The Airman’s Medal is awarded for actions involving voluntary risk of life under conditions other than combat. A successful voluntary heroic act or the saving of a life is not essential to the award of this decoration.